Tigers' Nate Robertson making strong case for rotation spot

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Nate Robertson is doing a good job of keeping hitters off balance this spring and seems to be taking another step toward the Detroit Tigers’ starting rotation every time out.

Robertson gave up a two-run homer to Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Randy Ruiz but didn’t allow another run Monday in 4 1/3 innings to improve to 2-0 with a 3.68 ERA.

He worked out of two jams and struck out four. Robertson, despite a declining fastball speed that now tops out at 89 to 90 mph, has fanned 14 in 14 2/3 innings.

Tigers catcher Gerald Laird was asked about the difference in Robertson’s confidence level after three disappointing seasons

“It’s way different from last year,” said Laird. “I think he’s earned his way.”

Detroit manager Jim Leyland added: “I think Nate’s feeling pretty good about himself. He turned it up a notch or two when he had to.”

Two weeks remain before the start of the regular season, and Leyland hasn’t announced his last two starters from the field of Robertson, Dontrelle Willis, Jeremy Bonderman and Eddie Bonine.

But Robertson said he isn’t getting caught up in that discussion or related mind games.

“I was concerned about stuff like that last year and it’s wasted time because you can’t control it. I just worry about sharpening my pitches,” he said.

Robertson's improved slider and changeup are allowing him success even with a well-timed inside fastball here and there.

“There’s an unbelievable difference in his changeup,” Laird said. “He can throw it any time, in any count.

“The slider is a lot better and he’s throwing it with a lot of confidence. It’s sharper and with a lot more depth.”

Robertson struck out cleanup hitter Vernon Wells on a slider and got ahead of Lyle Overbay with a slider that drew a reaction of awe from the crowd. He said the strikeouts are coming because he’s able to pitch his game ahead in counts.

“I can’t pitch with a swing-and-miss mentality early in counts,” Robertson said. “What I’ve got to do is keep guys off balance.”

What Robertson liked more than the strikeouts was giving up a leadoff double to Jose Bautista in the third inning, and then not allowing a run with the heart of the order coming up. He also had two on with one out in the fourth and got out of it.